Reducing Medications in Persons with Dementia Why Less is sometimes Best!

Problems associated with medication use in the elderly drug side effects drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, falls appetite reduction confusion costs

Risks of having adverse side- effect related to number of medications Number of medsRisk of ADR 26% 550% 8100% Shaughnessay AF. Common drug reactions in the elderly. Emerg Med. 1992;24:21-32., as quoted in Dayer-Berenson L. Polypharmacy in the Elderly. Nursing Spectrum website. Available at Accessed February 24,

Quality of life some medications help quality of life controlling delusions, hallucinations, pain controlling medical illnesses some medications may impact negatively on quality of life decrease mobility, awareness

Physical side-effects constipation gastrointestinal upset bleeding rashes, other allergic manifestations

Goal of medication use in persons with dementia help alleviate suffering enable functioning without having negative side-effects maximize quality of life

Achieving Goal involves physicians nurses and nursing staffs pharmacists and: YOU!

The Familys Role in reducing medications obtain understanding of why medications are being ordered discuss with doctors or nurses participate care plan and family meetings Family Council avoid insisting on specific medications if there are not medical indications for their use

Medication Use in Persons with Dementia it takes ALL of us working TOGETHER to achieve our common goal: having the best possible quality of life for you and your loved ones